FJ62 Alternator upgrade?

akarilo · 07-06-08, 09:23 AM

Has anybody installed an upgraded alternator (in the factory location) on an fj62? If your "search" function works better than mine, great, but I can't find anything.

cruiser88 · 07-06-08, 02:11 PM

Some use the Mean Green alt. along with a GM alt.

cruiser88 · 07-06-08, 02:19 PM

Here is the Mean Green site.

Mean Green Starters and Altenators - Mean Green is the manufacturer of Gear Reduction Starters, Altenators, Stainless Steel Receiver Hitches and Jeep TJ Dual Battery Trays.

RockDoc · 07-06-08, 02:47 PM

I've read several recommend having a local shop rebuild your's for higher output. No experience myself.

Moby · 07-06-08, 08:44 PM

I've run two different 175 amp alternators on my 3FE. The first was MECHMAN based on a Ford case. I was never happy with the fit and brackets - always loosening up. They were nice to work with but eventually I gave up when the voltage started getting wonky and a new regulator didn't fix the problem.

My current alternator is 175 amp based on a stock case built by Wrangler NW - Power Products. It's a stock case so there's no fit difference. These guys are also great to work with. I've got maybe 8,000-9,000 miles on it without any problems. This is the alternator I would recommend, especially if you need more output than the Mean Green.

Both of these have an undersized pulley to help idle output (still not great but better than stock). The mechanical man was custom turned, wrangler sourced a smaller one (in either case you need to tell them that you are looking for better idle output and ask for a smaller pulley). Custom length belts were needed (easy via Napa or the equivilent).

Both of these alts have run my upgraded lights, A/C and Ford Contour dual fan without any problems and charge my dual yellow tops fast if I ever run one down.

cruiser88 · 07-06-08, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby

I've run two different 175 amp alternators on my 3FE. The first was MECHMAN based on a Ford case. I was never happy with the fit and brackets - always loosening up. They were nice to work with but eventually I gave up when the voltage started getting wonky and a new regulator didn't fix the problem.

My current alternator is 175 amp based on a stock case built by Wrangler NW - Power Products. It's a stock case so there's no fit difference. These guys are also great to work with. I've got maybe 8,000-9,000 miles on it without any problems. This is the alternator I would recommend, especially if you need more output than the Mean Green.

Both of these have an undersized pulley to help idle output (still not great but better than stock). The mechanical man was custom turned, wrangler sourced a smaller one (in either case you need to tell them that you are looking for better idle output and ask for a smaller pulley). Custom length belts were needed (easy via Napa or the equivilent).

Both of these alts have run my upgraded lights, A/C and Ford Contour dual fan without any problems and charge my dual yellow tops fast if I ever run one down.

The website does not list Toyota as a option.

Moby · 07-06-08, 10:06 PM

Yeah, I don't think that either actually lists these as something they regularly stock - you need to call and talk to them. My Wrangler unit was custom built, I just called them and told them what I was looking for. Same with Mechnical Man.

cruiser88 · 07-06-08, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby

Yeah, I don't think that either actually lists these as something they regularly stock - you need to call and talk to them. My Wrangler unit was custom built, I just called them and told them what I was looking for. Same with Mechnical Man.

akarilo · 07-07-08, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby

I've run two different 175 amp alternators on my 3FE. The first was MECHMAN based on a Ford case. I was never happy with the fit and brackets - always loosening up. They were nice to work with but eventually I gave up when the voltage started getting wonky and a new regulator didn't fix the problem.

My current alternator is 175 amp based on a stock case built by Wrangler NW - Power Products. It's a stock case so there's no fit difference. These guys are also great to work with. I've got maybe 8,000-9,000 miles on it without any problems. This is the alternator I would recommend, especially if you need more output than the Mean Green.

Both of these have an undersized pulley to help idle output (still not great but better than stock). The mechanical man was custom turned, wrangler sourced a smaller one (in either case you need to tell them that you are looking for better idle output and ask for a smaller pulley). Custom length belts were needed (easy via Napa or the equivilent).

Both of these alts have run my upgraded lights, A/C and Ford Contour dual fan without any problems and charge my dual yellow tops fast if I ever run one down.

How much was the Wrangler, and is this a worthwhile project? If I want to go back to an electric fan I guess it is inevitable.

Moby · 07-07-08, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akarilo

How much was the Wrangler, and is this a worthwhile project? If I want to go back to an electric fan I guess it is inevitable.

I don't remember offhand but they aren't cheap, maybe $400-500? I'd just call them and ask what they'd charge today.

Is is worthwhile? If you need the amps yes, if you don't, no

I don't like the idea of trying to supply the 30 extra amps that my fan might draw from the stock alternator even with the variable speed controller and dual batteries.

I'd like to just run dual alternators for both total amp output and reliability but I'm not willing to desmog.

DBS311 · 07-07-08, 03:48 PM

I just threw in the Mean Green 140 amp last weekend. Went in like stock and was able to use a stock belt. After a solid 30 miles, it's still working.

PUDDLE Cruiser · 07-07-08, 06:50 PM

Don't waste your money on Mean Green Alt. I have replaced both the starter and alt. with the Mean Green stuff and still no difference. I one good thing is the Alt. fits in the stock location no problem.

jmarsh1977 · 07-09-08, 01:17 PM

I have been running a MG Alt for approx. four years - it was an easy install in the factory location and no problems so far.

akarilo · 07-09-08, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmarsh1977

I have been running a MG Alt for approx. four years - it was an easy install in the factory location and no problems so far.

MG? Got a link or any info on your alternator? How many amps, how many dollars, etc.

DBS311 · 07-09-08, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akarilo

MG? Got a link or any info on your alternator? How many amps, how many dollars, etc.

MG will most likely be the Mean Green alternator that has already been mentioned.

cruiser88 · 07-09-08, 07:40 PM

damnit....my aftermarket is not charging

07-06-08, 09:23 AM	#1
akarilo IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 410	FJ62 Alternator upgrade? Has anybody installed an upgraded alternator (in the factory location) on an fj62? If your "search" function works better than mine, great, but I can't find anything. __________________ '88 FJ62, Turbo/IC, 33x10.50 BFG A/T's, Aussie F/R, AAL, Shock hoops, blah blah blah...

07-06-08, 02:11 PM	#2
cruiser88 They call me crazy88 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: over here TLCA# 17319 Posts: 6,960	Some use the Mean Green alt. along with a GM alt. __________________ "how 'bout we sing 'kyles mom is a bitch' in E minor?"by OregonCruzer http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...13957_15_0.jpg http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...113957_1_2.jpg

07-06-08, 02:19 PM	#3
cruiser88 They call me crazy88 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: over here TLCA# 17319 Posts: 6,960	Here is the Mean Green site. Mean Green Starters and Altenators - Mean Green is the manufacturer of Gear Reduction Starters, Altenators, Stainless Steel Receiver Hitches and Jeep TJ Dual Battery Trays. __________________ "how 'bout we sing 'kyles mom is a bitch' in E minor?"by OregonCruzer http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...13957_15_0.jpg http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...113957_1_2.jpg

07-06-08, 02:47 PM	#4
RockDoc impervious to subtlety Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta TLCA# 18148 Posts: 1,398	I've read several recommend having a local shop rebuild your's for higher output. No experience myself. __________________ [ ][ ]=TOYOTA=[ ][ ] 4 eyes > 2 eyes Member of the Peace Canyon Toyota Swamp Donkeys Creep Coalition

07-06-08, 08:44 PM	#5
Moby IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Trying to stack dimes Posts: 629	I've run two different 175 amp alternators on my 3FE. The first was MECHMAN based on a Ford case. I was never happy with the fit and brackets - always loosening up. They were nice to work with but eventually I gave up when the voltage started getting wonky and a new regulator didn't fix the problem. My current alternator is 175 amp based on a stock case built by Wrangler NW - Power Products. It's a stock case so there's no fit difference. These guys are also great to work with. I've got maybe 8,000-9,000 miles on it without any problems. This is the alternator I would recommend, especially if you need more output than the Mean Green. Both of these have an undersized pulley to help idle output (still not great but better than stock). The mechanical man was custom turned, wrangler sourced a smaller one (in either case you need to tell them that you are looking for better idle output and ask for a smaller pulley). Custom length belts were needed (easy via Napa or the equivilent). Both of these alts have run my upgraded lights, A/C and Ford Contour dual fan without any problems and charge my dual yellow tops fast if I ever run one down. __________________ Joel '89 FJ-62

07-06-08, 10:06 PM	#7
Moby IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Trying to stack dimes Posts: 629	Yeah, I don't think that either actually lists these as something they regularly stock - you need to call and talk to them. My Wrangler unit was custom built, I just called them and told them what I was looking for. Same with Mechnical Man. __________________ Joel '89 FJ-62

07-07-08, 03:48 PM	#11
DBS311 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Coronado, CA Posts: 673	I just threw in the Mean Green 140 amp last weekend. Went in like stock and was able to use a stock belt. After a solid 30 miles, it's still working. __________________ 2005 Trek 5000, Ultegra, Easton Orion II's, DD (15k miles) 2002 Xterra, 31's, dual batts, National Luna 52L, (105k miles) 2001 UZJ100, stock (41k miles) 1990 FJ62, SOA+OME, 37's, Slee rear/ARB front, dual batts, FF, ARB's with 4.88's, and other stuff (145K miles) 1975 Bronco, 347 stroker, extended wheelbase, locked, 35 spline 4340, Atlas II, Klune-V, NV4500, 40's, my Land Cruiser killer (110k miles)

07-07-08, 06:50 PM	#12
PUDDLE Cruiser IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 5	Don't waste your money on Mean Green Alt. I have replaced both the starter and alt. with the Mean Green stuff and still no difference. I one good thing is the Alt. fits in the stock location no problem.

07-09-08, 01:17 PM	#13
jmarsh1977 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: St. Petersburg, FL TLCA# 7481 Posts: 65	I have been running a MG Alt for approx. four years - it was an easy install in the factory location and no problems so far. __________________ Joe Marsh, TLCA#7481: 88 FJ62 - 38 gal fuel tank, MG alternator, DBA slotted rotors, TLC SSBC Monster brake calipers, extended ss brake lines, George's LEDs, tucked 2.5 exhaust, single hi-flow cat, 50-series Delta Flowmaster, Borla tip, dynamat xtreme; 71 FJ40- SOA, 33in SSRs on black steelies

07-09-08, 07:40 PM	#16
cruiser88 They call me crazy88 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: over here TLCA# 17319 Posts: 6,960	damnit....my aftermarket is not charging __________________ "how 'bout we sing 'kyles mom is a bitch' in E minor?"by OregonCruzer http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...13957_15_0.jpg http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...113957_1_2.jpg

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